Name:_____________________________

C.R.A.A.P. Test Worksheet

The CRAAP Test is a list of standards that will help you evaluate the information you find. Select a source
appropriate to your research topic. Use the standards below to determine if your source is appropriate to use.

Provide a citation for your source here:

What type of source is it? □ Scholarly Article □ Magazine □ Newspaper □ Book □ Website
If website, what kind? □Blog □News □Article □Social Media □Informational □Other:_________________

Rate each question on a scale from 1-3: 0= Does not meet standard at all
1= Barely or minimally meets the standard
2= Somewhat meets the standard
3= Mostly or absolutely meets the standard

1. C urrency: How old is the information?

The information was posted or published recently (within the past few 0 1 2 3
years)(past few weeks/days if a brand new topic)
Is it recent enough that the topic is not likely to have changed or been further 0 1 2 3
developed since this information was published or posted.
This is the most current source of information available. 0 1 2 3

Section Total Score:_______________

2. R elevance: the importance of the information for your needs

This information relates to my topic and answers my questions. 0 1 2 3

This information is at an appropriate writing level for my research. 0 1 2 3

This information could be used as evidence to support a claim in a research paper. 0 1 2 3
Section Total Score:_______________
3. A uthority: the source of the information
The author or creator is easily identified. 0 1 2 3
The author or creator has valid credentials or organizational affiliations? 0 1 2 3
(They are an expert i.e. they have a degree in, or are a professional in their field)
The author or creator’s credentials are in the same field as what they are writing 0 1 2 3
about.
*Websites Only: The URL reveals something about the source. 0 1 2 3
(examples: .com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net)
Section Total Score:_______________

4. A ccuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

The information supported by evidence. 0 1 2 3
Citations and/or a bibliography included. 0 1 2 3
There are no spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors. 0 1 2 3
*Websites Only: All the links work. 0 1 2 3
Section Total Score:_______________

5. P urpose: the reason the information exists

The creator(s) make their intentions or purpose clear. 0 1 2 3

The point of view seems objective and fact-based. 0 1 2 3

The information is without political, religious, cultural, or personal bias. 0 1 2 3
The creator/author is NOT trying to sell you anything. 0 1 2 3
Section Total Score:_______________

Now add up each of the section scores: Grand Total Score:___________________

(0-17 = FAIL, likely not a good source)

(18-37 = Questionable Source)

(38-54 = Likely a reliable source)